European Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
| Common Name: | European buckthorn (a.k.a. Common buckthorn, European waythorn, Rhineberry) |
| Scientific Name: | Rhamnus cathartica |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Growth Form: | Tree; Can also appear as hedgerow or thicket |
| Native Range: | Europe and |
| Invasive Range: | Southeast Canada and the Northeastern portion of the United States, and stretching as far west as Kansas |
| Introduction: | The European Buckthorn was introduced as an ornamental plant. It has been spread by birds. |
| Description: | ·Leaves: opposite and simple, elliptical shape, between 2-6 cm long, 2-5 cm at greatest width. Have fine, rounded teeth, distinctive pattern of venation, with veins starting closer to the base, and running parallel to the leaf margins.
·Twigs: slender and grey, terminating in scaly buds or spines. Have thorns. ·Bark: thin, brown outer bark can be peeled off to display red toned inner bark. ·Flowers: flowers in late spring, producing yellow-green, bell-shaped flowers that reach 5 mm in diameter; inflorescences located at the leaf base. Flowers have 4 petals. ·Fruit: found in late summer and early autumn, small reddish-black berry, known for bitter pulp. |
| Threats: | In addition to displacing native vegetation, the European Buckthorn is a host for the fungus that causes leaf and crown rust of oats. |
| Fun Facts: | The European Buckthorn is related to a number of digestive ills. The fruit has medicinal value as a laxative in small doses. In larger does it is cathartic (hence the name) and causes stomach cramps. |
Whole Tree
Leaf
Leaf Glands
Bark
English ivy on a tree
Leaf
English ivy taking over a tree
Tree
Branch with leaves and fruit